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David Archuleta Wikipedia

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.

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Saying Goodbye To Chile ~ David Archuleta

Posted by bebereader on Friday, February 21, 2014

I’m convinced that time will pass more quickly if I would only stop watching the calendar and counting down the days until David comes home. It’s kind of like a pot of water that won’t boil if you keep watching it. Yet I still wonder how he might be feeling as he finishes up his time in Chile, his home for the last two years. The reality is that I cannot make any assumptions nor can I imagine how he feels about saying goodbye to Chile.

However, I do believe that you leave a little piece of yourself wherever you visit. Perhaps there will always be a part of him that will remain in Chile, the part that came to life with every gorgeous sunset he witnessed, every glance he took at the Andes Mountains, every bite he took of the fresh-baked pastries and with every person he encountered along his journey during his mission, some who may have very few physical possessions yet are full of joy and grace.

I couldn’t be happier that the wait is almost over but I realize that it’s sort of a goodbye for me, too. How is it possible to love a foreign country that I never visited except by doing research online to write articles for this site? For me, chili had always been a delicious beef dish, eaten during the winter. Chilly was always a reason to put on double layers of clothing.

Through David, the country, C H I L E came to life for me, instead of just being a speck on the world map. In addition to his beautiful voice, everlasting friendships and computer skills, I have David to thank for yet another thing, for opening my eyes to this beautiful country with its historical sites, extensive landscape of mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, glaciers, deserts, waterfalls, beaches, lakes, rivers, forests and islands.

It’s not just the countryside that I admire; it’s also the people, who are passionate and fun-loving. I’ve even become fond of their music after doing some research on what’s playing on their airwaves. I picked up a few songs for my Ipod; Alberto Plaza’s “Bandito”and “Amiga” by Alexander Acha. But that’s not all. I found a little Argentenian bakery not too far away that makes the most delicious empanadas. If I ever get the chance to visit South America, Chile would be my first stop.

Soon, David’s time spent in Chile will become part of his past. He will be busy with all sorts of plans for new music, touring, family, friends, catching up with fans and going out for Pad Thai. If he feels sad about saying goodbye to Chile and the people he met there, I hope he also feels content that he made a difference in their lives. He has certainly made a difference in ours.

78 Responses to “Saying Goodbye To Chile ~ David Archuleta”

Bebe, like you I have wondered a number of times during David’s absence about how he’s been feeling with things and especially with the decisions he’s made during his two years down in Chile. But with what he’s done in the past couple of years, especially with these last two, he should be proud of himself for doing what he did and glad he listened to God and his heart for the opportunity. The way I look at it is he gave time for himself, to reflect, ponder, and get a better understanding of where he should go next with his career and his life. Sometimes people don’t take advantage of that opportunity or are afraid to because of what other people may think. You don’t necessarily have to serve as a missionary to do that, that’s just one way of doing that. No matter where you are, saying goodbye is always difficult. You’re leaving something that’s left an impact on you for the better, and the people you encounter, those who have been impacted, and more struggle as much as the person leaving.

You know…a lot of thoughts and feelings have gone through our minds as much as it has for David. Through David you have learned about a great country in the world and all the beauty it contains as you said. For me, through David I’ve realized what has been given and brought into my life. It has been a struggle to truly…well, accept it, but I’ve improved and grown than I have before he left. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. We know though we have a great, better, amazing man coming back soon. At least by looking back on it, he can also be proud of himself for sticking true to himself and doing what makes him happy over what others think. That’s something we should all learn to do.

Either way Bebe this was great post. We need more of the pondering ones…because it helps us appreciate the things we have been given.

tawna21said

Oh Bebe, this so beautiful. Seriously, sooo beautiful! I, too, have had the ‘saying goodbye’ thoughts go thru my head. While I can’t wait for him to be home and standing on U.S. soil, I have put myself in his place and realized that I would miss Chile. I would miss the beautiful country, the beautiful people, the interesting food, but most of all the opportunity that had been mine for two years to teach and preach of the love of God and Jesus Christ. Time, that was uninterrupted by the outside world, to do what I knew God wanted me to do. Yeah, I think he will have a difficult time saying goodbye. What a bitter-sweet moment it will be for him. I’m so proud of him for taking this time and allowing himself to serve others and find out who he is.

Kristin, I like this a lot >>> “At least by looking back on it, he can also be proud of himself for sticking true to himself and doing what makes him happy over what others think. That’s something we should all learn to do.”

I can’t wait to see who he brings back. ♥

skydancer1xsaid

Bebe,
Love this post,what a lovely article you have written!!
So many things to ponder as we wait for his return.. Though I want him home more than anything,I too, wonder what he is feeling now that his time in Chile is coming to a close.
I love this beautifully written thought….♥
“Perhaps there will always be a part of him that will remain in Chile, the part that came to life with every gorgeous sunset he witnessed, every glance he took at the Andes Mountains, every bite he took of the fresh-baked pastries and with every person he encountered along his journey during his mission, some who may have very few physical possessions yet are full of joy and grace.”
I love that!♥ and this,
“If he feels sad about saying goodbye to Chile and the people he met there, I hope he also feels content that he made a difference in their lives. He has certainly made a difference in ours.”

one thing I know for sure is that wherever David has been,is now,or will go in the future,he will surely continue to touch lives and capture hearts♥

Thank you for our wonderful “trips” to the country of Chile Bebe.
(I learned so much I didn’t know, about a new place I had never seen.Made me feel so much closer to David, and the journey he has been on for 2 years.You were a great travel guide♥)

(is that water boiling yet?) *waiting*

jans11said

Bebe, this brought tears to my eyes. Reminds me when a person graduates from high school or or when they leave family after a long visit. I know it will be bitter sweet…happy to be leaving and get on with his life, but at the same time leaving a country and people where he has made many memories. He will hold these memories for the rest of his life and be able to go back in his mind knowing that he made the right choice to follow his heart. He was an exceptional young man before he left and I can’t wait to see an even more mature David when he gets back.

Thanks to all the great mods that made our David drought a lot easier for fans to stick together!

Leaving for Vegas tomorrow, but will try and keep up with the David news from my phone! :) This is one way for the time to pass a little faster! haha

MTsaid

Bebe,
What a ovely and thoughtful post. Thanks for taking us on this journey; getting to know about the foods, the music, the sights, and the people of Chile over the past two years. While foods and music and customs may be a bit different in Chile than in our own countries, people are the same everywhere. We love, we laugh, we hurt, and we cry. We are alike in so many ways that I know David must have touched many lives and hearts in Chile the same way he has here.

Your post also makes me realize that, as much as I am ready for him to be back home, I feel a little sadness at his leaving Chile, too. It can’t be easy to transition from one way of life to another. He’s already done that once, let go of everyone and everything he loved. Now, he’s about to do it again. I think you’re right when you say “Perhaps there will always be a part of him that will remain in Chile.”

But as sad as it will be for him say goodbye to Chile, he will be reconnecting with those he loves back home. That thought must surely be filling his heart with joy. ♥ I’m so happy for him, that he’ll get to see his family soon!

And WE’LL get to see HIM soon! haha So there’s a little something for us on it’s way, too! :)

That pot of water? Hmm … I think I see bubbles forming at the bottom. They’re not rising to the top … yet .. but it won’t be too much longer. :)

Elaine Nitschkesaid

Bebe, this is just beautiful.
I wonder if he’s writing his own “Say goodbye to Chile” song in his mind. (I’m hearing Billy Joel’s Say goodbye to Hollywood)
Soaking in all the “last times” in his favorite places. Two years is a long time. He’s attached. I’m sure he’s met people who have changed his life,
expanded his view on the world. And vice-versa. I’m sure they’ll miss him too. How could they not.

bebereadersaid

Chile will always hold a special place in my heart. The mere mention of the country will always remind me of David.

Kristin,
Thank you! David is a fine example of someone staying true to himself, despite what others think. That’s one of the reasons he’s a role model for all ages. I don’t think we ever stop learning, no matter how old we are. Glad he’s helped you to realize and to accept and to grow.

Tawna,
Thank you! The title for this article came to me about a month before I knew what I wanted to say. The ‘goodbye’ was looming over my head but that’s nothing compared to what David must be experiencing.
“What a bitter-sweet moment it will be for him.” <<< Agreed.

Sky,
Glad you enjoyed the articles about Chile! Gracias, mi amiga.
"…one thing I know for sure is that wherever David has been,is now,or will go in the future,he will surely continue to touch lives and capture hearts♥" <<< This!

Jans,
Thanks for your comment. I can understand why you compared finishing a mission to a graduation. It's like an ending and a beginning at the same time. Are you in Vegas, keeping up with the comments by phone?

Fi,
Thanks!

MT,
"While foods and music and customs may be a bit different in Chile than in our own countries, people are the same everywhere. We love, we laugh, we hurt, and we cry. We are alike in so many ways that I know David must have touched many lives and hearts in Chile the same way he has here."

Well said, MT. David has an affect on all who meet him. I'm sure that those who met him in Chile already feel enriched as those of us do, who have met him here, in the states.

Elaine,
Thank you for your comment and Welcome to The Voice.

Betsy,
With all this wondering I almost forgot to wonder if David wrote any new music. Was there even any time to do so? Knowing him, there are various new melodies going through his head at all times.

"Two years is a long time. He’s attached. I’m sure he’s met people who have changed his life, expanded his view on the world. And vice-versa. I’m sure they’ll miss him too. How could they not."

Nice, Bebe! I enjoyed reading all your articles on Chile, especially the food and the swimming pool!
David must be feeling rather conflicted right now – sad to be leaving, happy to be going home to family and friends.

Abrrasaid

tawna21said

Okay Abrra. Was that good luck because the puzzle is a little bit of a challenge, or good luck because the gorgeous face looking at you is distracting and causes a stupor of thought, which then causes the puzzle to be very challenging?! *sigh*

tawna21said

I’m a fan of yours. I love how you tackle a subject, a concept so meticulous and detailed, thank you for that. All your Chile articles are tour magazine worthy. They opened a whole new world for me and many, what a beautiful country. It’s a place I’d love to visit one day.

But this is my favorite type of Bebe article, from the heart ♥ If I was the betting type I’d bet David will miss Chile greatly but will be ecstatic to be back amongst his family and friends (and us). The most recent pictures of his PDays shows David site seeing, hanging with guys and girls, having lots of fun. We can only imagine the experiences he was able to have, the growth he experienced and the already more confident David as exhibited in the Christmas concerts. All this will surely have an impact on not only his life but his career.

As we wait our emotions are all over the place. That first “hola” is going to be epic :) I’m getting the chills just thinking about it.

bebereadersaid

Muchas gracias, mi amiga! ♥
Glad to hear that David did some sightseeing too! Hmm, wonder where he’s been and what he’s seen, besides the city of Santiago. We’ve “seen” some of it in the “Sight-Seeing Through Chile” article.

“We can only imagine the experiences he was able to have, the growth he experienced and the already more confident David as exhibited in the Christmas concerts. All this will surely have an impact on not only his life but his career.”

Well said, dja!

*Waves* to Jans

jans11said

Hi Bebe and everyone! “Waving” back… I’m still checking out the comments. Can’t let something David happen without me knowing it! Haha! Not won a million dollars yet. So any and all David new is more fun! Haha. At least it’s free! :) #DA2014….sent from my phone…

MTsaid

$720.00 now. Such a great cause too. I’m sure that David and the charity will be thrilled!

Bebe,

You have given us so much and now with this last article on Chile have exceeded everything that came before. Thank you so much for sharing all you learned about Chile. We not only have David to thank for that, we have you.

Sure he will be little sad to leave people he has come to love but he has so many family and friends who will celebrate him home. I have a feeling his heart will leap for joy when he sees the tops of those Rocky Mountains again from the plane. He has a career waiting for him too, something he truly loves to do. And he has all of us, his fans, still crazy after all these years. lol. He will not be able to keep up with the blur of twitter responses after that first tweet or vlog is posted. Twitter will explode. He will laugh and I hope, rejoice with us.

I am so proud of him I could explode too. He completed his mission with honor and no matter what happens in this world, no matter what else he does, he will always have that to look back on with pride. Well done, David. Very well done.

Tomorrow, for the first time, we can say we have less than a month to go.

skydancer1xsaid

Fen,
Well, I want to be there the day you swim in that pool from one end to the other! Oh,and I’ll be the one floating on a bright colored raft,with a little paper umbrella drinky-poo in my hand cheering you on! Go Fen!

Abrrasaid

If anyone is still needing to submit something for the Welcome back video, I am willing to make a simple sign for you and email it to you so you can submit it. If you don’t know how to send it, I can send it for you :) Just post the name and state you want on the sign. Here is what I made for myself.

Hey I didn’t say I was going to do it all in one go! LOL I might take a whole week to finish that swim. Nothing Else Better To Do would be the perfect song and make that drink a Singapore Sling! hahaha
Abrra could you make a sign for me? Name Fen, State Singapore. Thank you so much.

bluesky4homesaid

“Soon, David’s time spent in Chile will become part of his past. He will be busy with all sorts of plans for new music, touring, family, friends, catching up with fans and going out for Pad Thai. If he feels sad about saying goodbye to Chile and the people he met there, I hope he also feels content that he made a difference in their lives. He has certainly made a difference in ours.”

Dear Bebereader

How glad I am that your love affair with DA’s music has inspired so much other love as well. Your dipping into Chile, has brought you out more colorful, flavorful, sparkly, and savory. I love your love for Chile!!! And I will always consider you one of our “go to ” people on that important topic.

I thank you for the “aroma” of mystery, magic, splendor, and fun you have added to this site for these years of (non) absence.
(cause… all his attempts aside… he is never really gone, is he? *_*)

Abrrasaid

Would you do that for me Abrra? Your awesomeness just keeps blossoming. You are a true-blue David fan.

Some naughty fellow stole my iphone right off my desk while I was helping him. I have lost all of that data, music, pictures. So much David stuff, also numbers and addresses of my David family. Shucks.

Abrrasaid

Dayzee
Call your carrier so they can “zap” it to shut down the system. Your stuff isn’t lost. Its in itunes. If you get another iphone you can sync it up and it will transfer everything to your new phone. That’s the beauty of itunes. They hold your stuff for you on their system in case things like this happen.

I’ll make a sign for you and send it to Monica.

Abrra

Spiritsaid

Abrra…..Thank you so much for your offer to make and send our welcome back signs to FOD. I’ve wanted to participate, but wasn’t sure how to do it. I’d really appreciate your making one for me, too. Spirit- Indiana

I’m here for David, although I don’t know if I can say I’m “still” here, since I became acquainted with him just 14 months ago when he was already on his mission.

But I can say I’m still here for you, my David friends and mentors, even though I have been silent for a long time. The last several months have been very, very challenging with serious family matters, but they seem to be easing up now. I hope to rejoin you soon.

roostersaid

Abrrasaid

I know how it feels to want to accomplish something and not know where to begin. I got the sense from reading around the sites that older fans may find the task out of their comfort zone. I enjoy helping.

TXNancysaid

Abrra…..could you please make a welcome home sign for me, too, and send it to FOD? I’d appreciate it immensely. THANK YOU!

Nancy S./ San Antonio, TX

P.S. Bebe, this article about David leaving Chile, was extremely thoughtful and caring. Having moved 13 times, inc. 3 times overseas, I know how hard it is to say goodbye to the place you called ‘home’ for even 2 yrs and to the friends you made. I’ve thought a lot about David lately, with his time in Chile soon ending. I think about all the Chileans, who’ve spent time with him, who felt his love for his Heavenly Father, and who were deeply touched, hearing his beautiful voice. They will miss David, as much as he will miss them. But what wonderful mission memories David can carry in his heart forever……he has been blessed!

lanisaid

Wanted to join in too but do not know how :sad: Can you send in for me too Abrra? Sorry if I don’t comment, just a daily lurker. Love reading all the posts here & the comments too. Am still here & will always be here for our David.

Jans,
Yes! Congrats to David’s family on the birth of his sister’s new baby!

TXNancy,
Thank you for sharing your firsthand information about how it feels to leave one place after spending quality time there. I very much agree that the Chileans will miss David as much as he will miss them.

JenAIowasaid

Abrra, I don’t know how to do it either! I would be grateful if you could do one for me!
Here every day, waiting like you all for david to come back…. thank you all for what you do to keep this site going.

josiane from South Carolina

Admin Abrra edit I sent it to Monica for you and will be sending a copy to you.

Jen A Iowasaid

dreamerjuliesaid

Abrra, could you send one for me? I’m Julie from Michigan. Thank you so much! Very nice of you to do these for those of us who are technically challenged. Have been around since the beginning and can’t wait for his return :) Waiting for that dang pot to boil!!

Thank you Abrra. You are so creative and thoughtful. Each one looks so personal and fitting. You have given me a voice when I was inept. The one you drew up for me was perfect and beautiful. So nice to see so many fans jumping in as a result of your efforts..

Today I went to Trader Joe’s and bought delicious grapes from Chile. All things bring memories of David.